Linkin Park defined the Nu Metal genre. You shouldn't argue about taste and that's why this list isn't really that important but what Linkin Park have achieved nationally and internationally with their style has contributed to the entire audiovisual history as a whole. All the bands in this list are amazing bands with amazing fans. But they just can't top the revolution that Linkin Park sparked and the one they still lead to this day.

When they released they're first music no one wanted to have anything to do with it because it was different and groundbreaking. Just like now, while albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora are praised for their revolutionary sound. But guess what? Those albums are 10 years old, and only now, in a time of Disney crap and barbie doll teenage stars flying around our ears, we start to appreciate that wonderful noise. Right now it seems like if they are degrading they're own musical style but in reality they're re inventing music. Something they've ...more

Your words are so thoughtful and true. I agree with you. There are so many people who also needs to understand this. - rebellion

Greatest band of this decade. Awesome. Chester's vocals and Mike's rap are out of this world.

Listen! These guys may have not created nu-metal but they sure took it to another level. Slipknot is good, no doubt about that, but compared to linkin park (chester and Mike ) they have to settle for the #2 spot.

2KornKorn is an American Nu-Metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more.

KoRn are the creators of nu metal. They have the most original and creative ideas and are able to express these with ease. Now that is what we call talent. If there was no KoRn then this nu metal list would have been empty.So remember if there was no KoRN then there would not have been any nu metal band on earth!

Be careful not to give them too much credit, or people will believe you. While Korn was a pioneer, they certainly did not create Nu Metal. In fact, Rage Against the Machine had a Nu Metal album out before Korn was formed, and 311 dropped multiple Nu Metal albums before Rage Against the Machine did. I'm not denying Korn's importance, but check yourself before you wreck yourself. - ThatoneMetalhead

Nu Metal wouldn't exist if it wasn't for KoRn. And none these bands would exist either.

Best band around none of the others in this list come close to the epicness that is KoRn

3SlipknotSlipknot is an American Heavy Metal band formed in 1995 from Iowa. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal during the late 1990s - 2000s and are distinguishable by the band's clothing choices, consisting of black/red jumpsuits and horror inspired masks. ...read more.

Slipknot is the best band in this list. The band plays awesome music. Each and every member of the band is awesome. Korn are pioneers of nu-metal but slipknot carried to the some other level. Mudvayne and ill nino also carried to different level. LB and LP aren't nu-metal now. But they kicked asses when they were.. 1. SlipKnoT 2. KoRn 3. MudVayne 4. Limp Bizkit/Linkin Park 5. Ill NiNo

Slipknot are the kings of Nu metal, they make best Nu metal songs that are melodic and catchy.

Shaped the genre single handed. Pinnacle of nu-metal artists. Linkin Park and the others are no longer metal. Slipknot all the way!

Slipknot is honestly one of the most diverse bands that I have ever heard I don't see how Linkin Park or Korn got a higher rating than Slipknot or System of a down they both have extremely better songs than either of them.

4System of a DownSystem of a Down formed in 1994 as an Armenian-American Nu Metal group from Glendale, California . The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. ...read more.

no dude no one sucks it's just that system of a down is the best! serj's vocals are far better than the others and their music is really expressing what the song should feel like

S. O. A. D. pissed off awesomes albums! I can say all songs are greats, or better, I can't hate any song! Songs like Cigaro, Radio/Video, Chop Suey, Vicinity of Obscenity, Chic 'n Stu, F*** The System made history of rock music!

I also love other nu metal groups, for example KoRn, P. O. D. and Limp Bizkit, but I still prefer S. O. A. D. , 'cuz they've got more experimantal lines, instruments and they always searched new sounds! In my opinion, S. o. A. D. 's the best group! And not only Toxicity and Steal This Album! are great works, everyone can easily love CDs like S. O. A. D. , Mesmerize, Hypnotize and unofficial works and B-Sides like Toxxic Traxx,... The #1 S. O. A. D. fan in Italy ;) m/

Band with its own characteristics, all personnel are very concerned about the world, from their maneuver that helps to Japan, Iraq, children with cancer and of course the Armenian genocide, etc

System of a Down is a weird band for all intents and purposes. While they have more serious songs like Deer Dance, they have some oddball songs like Bounce and Vicinity of Obscenity. All in all, these guys are masters of their instruments that always managed to create something unique. - ThatoneMetalhead

5Deftones Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California. The band, which was founded in 1988, consists of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado, Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega.

This list sucks! Deftones is the best Nu metal band. The started back in the 90s and still playing. They even go to central America a few times.

The main sound of what is recognized as Nu-Metal and the genre's general style began with both Korn and Deftones. If it weren't for those two groups, Nu Metal may not have even been a type of music or at least would not be known as well as it is. Having that said, it's these 2 bands that deserve the most credit in terms of the nu metal genre, however the difference between the two is that Deftones certainly stands out more. Over the years their music increased on how distinctive they are and up until now they continue to be more unique than ever.

Without Deftones, Nu-Metal wouldn't even be what it is. Deftones (along with Korn) were the birth of Nu Metal. The genre became a type of music because of them and other bands but it all started with Deftones. And the greatest thing is; Deftones are one of the very few bands to have evolved from the sound of nu metal into a alternative style and IN A GOOD WAY. When they made changes, it was a cool way to transform, showing that they took their music to a whole new different level.

6DisturbedDisturbed is an American heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois . The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren . They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken" .

Disturbed is the greatest band of all time. Draiman's voice with the heavy beats easily put them above amazing.

Disturbed are the best band ever. There is not an album that I have been disapointed with. Slipknot are my 2nd favourite band. Where is trivium in this list and As I Lay Dying they are really good bands, but Disturbed tops the chart.

1. DISTURBED-every song is great from them2. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE-your betrayal, tears don't fall, scream aim fire, waking the demon, hand of blood, the last fight, all these things I hate, fever, eye of the storm, heart burst into fire... 3. AVENGED SEVENFOLD-beast and the harolt, scream, bat country, nightmare, afterlife, almost easy, unholy confessions, welcome to the family... 4. SYSTEM OF A DOWN-chop suey, toxicity, sugar, byob, aerials, hypnotize, lonley day, pluck, atwa... 5. SLIPKNOT-wait and bleed, before I forget, psychosocial, eyeless, sulfur, left behind, the nameless, pulse of the maggots...

Draiman's voice hypnotise you,lyrics are digging into your soul and in some moment you're woken by your own voice shouting "RELEASE ME"

8MudvayneMudvayne was an American heavy metal band from Peoria, Illinois formed in 1996. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, they are known for their sonic experimentation, innovative album art, face and body paint, masks and uniforms.

Every song is uniquely perfect. If you were to define Nu Metal, this would be it. Mudvayne has a good grasp on the concept of Nu Metal. Though they sometimes use riffs more than once, I can agree they are one of the best Nu Metal bands my ears have ever been graced to listen to.

MUDVAYNE IS AMAZING! Seriously if you haven't listened to them, you're missing out

mudvayne is the best band ever, they kick ass and every album they made is different to each other.

I love this band, they have so many different sounds, its something everyone can enjoy and listen to.

Great band with an even better message, all of their albums are completely good albums, not ones that you just torrent for one song, also they haven't sold out like Linkin Park and korn, also they use a variety of sounds from rasta sounds to deep sounding guitar riffs, incredible band, chec em out, one of my favorites, and that saying something

As much as I hate to admit it pod people from planet suck are definitely nu metal and are gonna have some payment on death to do because of how corny they are but I admit also that I don't hate all their music. Just a lot of it. Most if I'm being honest but that's my opinion. They just don't really do anything for me. They are just so on the nose with their sound and lyrics that it's corny to me. That doesn't mean to say they don't sound good and have talent. They belong on this list and even though I'm not really a fan I'd put them in the 20-25 area.

10Papa RoachPapa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California. Formed in 1993, their first major-label release was the triple-platinum album Infest.

the best band ever. Jacob Shaddix has the greatest vocal nowadays. I think the band should play again in Brazil!

This is another example of text book nu metal. I admit, when they came out with their first album I bought it cause I liked it and I still like some of it to this day but then their second album came out and I couldn't believe the garbage I was hearing! Absolute trash. Horribly horrendous. Nothing like their first album. I understand bands trying new things but this didn't sound anything like the same band. It was a nightmare. They sold out so bad! They started banging it out to the cheap seats! Point made? Good. First album nu metal? Sure. Everything after? Not a snowflakes chance in Hell! Taking that into consideration I'd put them somewhere in the #55-60ish.

They were really a great nu metal band... Of course now they have changed their genre to rock... They were and they are awesome

The Newcomers

?311311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills.

So many people are saying that Korn created Nu Metal. While Korn was certainly an influential pioneer, it was 311 that created the genre. Their oldest album (titled Music) on Spotify dates back to the year Korn formed, and they released a couple of Nu-Metal albums before that one. I just want to see 311 get the credit they deserve for developing what was once the most popular metal subgenre. While most of 311's stuff isn't too heavy, it sounds quite a bit like Rage Against the Machine with more rap and reggae influences.

Some recommended early works: Unity (a good, old-fashioned headbanger that's accessible for starters)My Stoney Baby (a slower song, to show some diversity)Feels So Good (a bit like Unity, but showing more Reggae influences) - ThatoneMetalhead

The Contenders

11StaindStaind was a rock band formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995. ...read more.

I don't know how a band can sell out any worse than they did. Oh and they don't belong on this list at all. I love their first album. It is a masterpiece. Really, It is. Then album number two came and it was this radio friendly, wonderfully catchy album and I hated it. That's not to say that it's not good. It is. I admit that. Most of the stuff they've done has been great. But when you consider what kind of band they most likely would have been if not for them selling out and making radio songs instead of staying true to the music and making the music they wanted to make and not what all the douche bags who have taken over the rock stations and music television channels want to hear, it really makes you loose all respect for them and their music. Look I understand that you want to be successful in the music industry and make some money too but selling out is not the way. They still would've been big if they would have continued making the music the way they had been. It just woulda ...more

How is Staind only 45th on this list? They are an amazing band, that made a great comeback to their older style with their newest album. Linkin Park's music style is getting worse. Staind deserves to be in the top 10.

Mike's chunky guitar riffs is like an orgasm to listen to. It's SO GOOD! (dunno if that made sense). But most notably what makes Staind so significant is Aaron's vocals and lyrics. He has such a cool voice which I don't know how to describe which suits the lyrics of the songs based on depression, isolation and many other feelings of his. Staind is definitely is one of my favourites with Korn and Limp Bizkit. The one word to describe them is UNDERRATED.

12Coal ChamberCoal Chamber was formed in Los Angeles, CA, in 1993. The current members of Coal Chamber are Dez Fafara (Vocals), Nadja Peulen (Bass), Meegs Rascón (Guitar), and Mike Cox (Drums). Former members of the band include Rayna Foss, Chela Rhea Harper, and John Thor. Coal Chamber is typically known being ...read more.

They are creators of this true nu metal sound, which is based on really simple and raw riffs supported by very fast and powerful drums. They are also creators of that unique dark image and haircuts, which is copied by another million of nu metal bands. They have done a lot for nu metal music and they deserve better position in this list

Korn definitely did not come up with nu metal. Nu metal was started by these guys, Coal Chamber. Look it up.

Dez Fafara's vocals have an aggressive sound, really dark and it has what makes it perfect for nu metal.

Coal Chamber was the first nu-metal band to add in influences taken from black metal, such as their vocals. This is most apparent in their "Dark Days" album (my personal favorite). However, while they do have a plethora of good songs: Rowboat, My Frustration, Fiend, Empty Jar, Big Truck, etc.

They also have a few bad ones: Alienate Me, everything from Chamber Music (except Shock the Monkey). - ThatoneMetalhead

13MushroomheadMushroomhead is an American Nu Metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound which includes influence from heavy metal, art rock and electro-industrial and their imagery which features masks and costumes as well as ...read more.

Not All Songs Are Great but Solitaire unraveling and XII Album Savior sorrow Are Killer... they are Better Instrumentally than Slipknot... though definitely less popular give them a try their sound will grow on you.

Mushroomhead is one of the most original and unique bands out their. The only reason I can think of not to give them a chance is because of peoples prejudice against Nu-Metal. But trust me even if you don't like them at first keep listening they'll grow on you.

I tried so hard to like these guys and I do on some levels but I just don't like the lead singer. Or better put, the way he sings. I like the music and when the other guy screams etc but the guy singing just ruins it for me. His singing style is just stupid to me. If he sang better I think they'd be up there with or at least near-ish slipknot. (I know, I know, mushroom head was around first. Wah, wah shut up about it.) It doesn't change the fact that slipknot is just all around better in every way. Anyway, these guys definitely have a place on this list. To me it's just farther down it.

I'm sorry to say this, but Mushroomhead is not a nu metal band. Mushroomhead has more characteristics of Industrial Metal than anything. The more you listen to them, the more mind-numbingly obvious it is. - ThatoneMetalhead

As far as nu-metal goes, nobody does it better than Ill Nino. No metal band fuses together radio friendly hooks, beautiful melodies, aggression, variety, and overall balance better than these guys. And their Latin influences only make them even more unique. Even if you aren't a fan of nu-metal, anyone who likes any kind of metal owes it to themselves to check out these guys.

These guys definitely deserve to be here. They are really good. I can't say I like every song they've done but the majority is awesome. Honestly though I think there are a few other bands that deserve these top spots just a little more. I'd put these guys in the 15-20 space.

So underrated. But they have epic songs. Don't believe me, look up, This is War, Finger Painting with the Enemy, My Resurrection, Liar.

15SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal quintet from Atlanta, dating back to 1994. ...read more.

They have lost a step in the past few years, but the 6 previous amazing studio albums more than make up for it. No other band has even 4 albums that good, collectively. 7D rocked from '97 to '06... Longer than anyone did, at that level. 37'th is a disgrace. Some of the other bands higher plain suck!

Very underrated band. Check out their first two albums for some of the best Nu Metal

I like taproot. Good stuff. I guess you can just barley set them on the nu metal shelf. I picked up their first album back when it came out. From beginning to end it is really good. The albums afterwards are ok, though I find I don't like any of them near as much as the first. I'd put them into the #25-30.

Taproot is a great band, they should be at least in the top 10, if not the top 5. They have awesome tunes like Poem, Again & Again, I, Fractured etc. - UltimateHybridX

Taproot is like Korn or Slipknot. If you like those you'll like Taproot too. Great songs like Like Time and Poem can get you off your feet. Very good band

17Drowning PoolDrowning Pool is an American Alternative Metal band formed in Dallas, Texas in 1996. The band was named after the film The Drowning Pool.

Honestly, Avenged Sevenfold is not nu metal. They are officially metalcore, heavy metal, and hard rock. Drowning Pool deserves to be at the TOP Tens. Try listening to Bodies and Sinner. They are great nu metal songs to listen.

Their career died with the amazing vocalist known as Dave Williams. Seriously their first album "sinner" was a killer album

Amazing band for the first two albums then they went down hill :(

Their first album, "Sinner" was amazing. Sadly, they stopped being good when Dave Williams died.

In my opinion staticX should be like top 5! If they aren't nu metal then no one listed here is. RIP Wayne static. Let me say that that statement (about them being in the top 5) was in no way influenced by Wayne statics passing. They truly are the embodiment of nu metal! I've been listening to all types of metal/rock since I was 11 and I'm 33 as of 7/28/15. A lot of music has passed through these ears. The first beginnings of the nu metal genre was starting at the time I started taking a interest in music and after a few years as the genre became what is roughly today, static x is definitely the embodiment of that genre. It's just sad that today it's a dying, dwindling breed of music.

Static-X is tried and true. My favorite band out there. They give it all on every song.

I think of Static-X more like Ministry than associating them with Nu-Metal acts. They definitely have some elements of Nu-Metal but I don't know that I would lump them in with Nu-Metal.

Dale again yes it's so sad that wayine isint around eny more he was really cool he had good hair and a good voice and good music and I am very influents by his music RIP Wayine static and push it is my favorite work out track in the gym.

19SalivaSaliva is an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. Saliva released their self-titled debut album on August 26, 1997, through Rockingchair Records, a record label owned and operated by Mark Yoshida, who recorded and produced the release at his studio, Rockingchair Studios.

These guys are awesome! They should be number one easily

These guys are really good. Many of their songs has been chosen as ppb for WWE main events. Let me name some. ALWAYS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, HUNT you DIWN, TIME TO SHINE, KING OF THE STEREO, CLICK CLICK BOOM

Very great band, Click Click Bomm is their the best. It's sad, their lead vocalist Josey Scott was leave the band. - 05yusuf09

20Skrape

Skrape was really good at what they did. I wish they were still around..

Isolated is the best nu metal song ever

Skrape is underrated as heck.

Better than HU!?!?!are you kidding?! - Amirjdog

From this comment alone, it is clear to me that you have not listened to Skrape very much. Maybe you only heard the first verse of waste and thought it was a bit boring. In that case, enlighten yourself by at least listening to the whole song. Then, move on to their other stuff and get addicted to them. - ThatoneMetalhead